Bottomline2000
New member
Can am really missed the mark with the spyder's rear shock. Even the ryker get an adjustable one..i would trust a properly rated spring over a compressor/bag setup.
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Best Shocks for heavyset rider 2015 F3S
- Thread starter west1200us
- Start date
Can am really missed the mark with the spyder's rear shock. Even the ryker get an adjustable one..i would trust a properly rated spring over a compressor/bag setup.
Peteoz
Well-known member
Yeah, the stock shocks are pretty ordinary, Bottomline, but that compressor/bag has nothing to do with your shock. It’s just a ride height adjustment
Pete
Bottomline2000
New member
Yeah, the stock shocks are pretty ordinary, Bottomline, but that compressor/bag has nothing to do with your shock. It’s just a ride height adjustment
Pete
the compressor/bag has everything to do with the shock and i understand it's purpose. If the shock is under sprung the shock gets overworked and aerates. It then becomes useless in handling bumps. I know this because my F3s doesn't have a helper bag and starts out riding fine although lower than ideal ride height and after a while i can feel the shock being less effective. Guys with limiteds or RTs with bags have proven you don't really need the bag if the shock has the proper amount of spring was my point and i'd rather keep simple.
Mikey
Well-known member
You are very right on this one!!!! If you ever lose your air in that bag and have to ride any distance at all home with just the cheap shock you have under your butt, you'll find out your air bag is doing more than just leveling the load!! Sorry Pete For my money I would invest in a good adjustable shock and do away with the air bag system hands down! Keep it simple and dependable!!! More miles, less wrench turning!!
Peteoz
Well-known member
Mikey, we are effectively in agreement. The bag contains air in a confined space. It is not going to compress as you bump up and down on your rear shock. If you set it to 90psi the Spyder rear will be say 1” higher than 20psi at .5” high. The bottom of the bag is sitting above your shock. Even if you have a great shock, you still need to have the bag if you occasionally ride two up, or are much heavier than normal, to keep your lights aligned and not blinding oncoming traffic from your weight at the rear lifting the front end. Yes, you can remove the bag completely if you have a great shock that absorbs bumps effectively, but you should ensure the shock is set to allow for a level ride.:thumbup:
This was not just a made up story on my part. It came from a well respected wrench who specialises in shocks and Spyders. He supplied the Wilbers all round for me
Pete
Peteoz
Well-known member
You’ve misinterpreted my post, Bottomline. I agree completely that you don’t need the bag if you have great shocks. My point was that you need the bag to keep the Spyder level when extra weight is added to the rear, if you do NOT have a fully adjustable shock. If you have a shock that can be adjusted on the fly to achieve that, then you certainly don’t need the bag......as I said, it is NOT part of the shock system.
Pete
Yabbadabbadoo
Member
On my 2020 F3-S, I just installed a Stage 5 Elka rear shock with hydraulic preload so I can easily change between solo and 2-up riding. Had it customized for my riding preferences and weight range for solo and 2-up with saddlebags. No more bottoming out and the ride is sporty firm but smoother all around.
Peteoz
Well-known member
Hahaha.... yeah, ‘predictive text” is a wonderful thing, Troop......as long as you then proof read your post a couple of times before sending.
hyea:Pete
I am really enjoying all this banter about "shocks".
Usually, on a motorcycle (especially the rear), the "shocks" are an assembly consisting of a coil spring and a damper assembly. A similar damper is commonly found on cars, and is called a "shock absorber". Very technically speaking, the SPRING is what absorbs the shock, the DAMPER only controls how fast the spring is allowed to react.
With all the discussion above, it can be summarized: "With sufficient coil spring rate, the assistance of an air bag is not necessary." While agree with that, I will also argue the point that there is a very smooth, comfortable and controllable ride with only air as your spring. Well over half of the semi-trucks on the road today have air bag suspension. Mainly for levelling, but also for comfort and protection of the cargo. I used to have a Kawasaki KZ1300 that had S&W air suspension. No metal springs, just air. It was a WONDERFUL ride.
It is unfortunate that air-ride systems today are not quite reliable enough, and have to be relegated to "helper" status. I would love to have a full AIR setup again.
.
Usually, on a motorcycle (especially the rear), the "shocks" are an assembly consisting of a coil spring and a damper assembly. A similar damper is commonly found on cars, and is called a "shock absorber". Very technically speaking, the SPRING is what absorbs the shock, the DAMPER only controls how fast the spring is allowed to react.
With all the discussion above, it can be summarized: "With sufficient coil spring rate, the assistance of an air bag is not necessary." While agree with that, I will also argue the point that there is a very smooth, comfortable and controllable ride with only air as your spring. Well over half of the semi-trucks on the road today have air bag suspension. Mainly for levelling, but also for comfort and protection of the cargo. I used to have a Kawasaki KZ1300 that had S&W air suspension. No metal springs, just air. It was a WONDERFUL ride.
It is unfortunate that air-ride systems today are not quite reliable enough, and have to be relegated to "helper" status. I would love to have a full AIR setup again.
.
Similar threads
